Espanyol vs Getafe Match Preview
It's been over three months since RCD Espanyol claimed its last victory in La Liga, and team's manager is aware the path should be cleared soon, as the Relegation fight will become restless without some positive impact in the positions table. Their rival, on the other hands, has not been defeated in the last five matches, and the confidence of the players will be a tough barrier to pass for RCD Espanyol. Sergio Garcia is joining the team this Saturday, but won't be able to perform due to delays in his signing, and will have to wait for the second match to show his worth. With Felipe Mattioni sidelined for six months due to a severe injury, Mauricio Pochettino will have to find an ace up his sleeve to bag a decisive victory on the first round.
The intense heat that is expected on Sunday at the Cornella will probably slow the pace of both teams, but Getafe's defender Ernesto Galan declared he's ready to give team's coach every drop of his sweat to secure the three points stay home. Qualification for the next phase of the Europa League is assured, and now the main challenge is not to be overwhelmed by the constant pressure of fighting two tournaments at the same time. Getafe will have three major setbacks for this match, as unless some miracle takes place in Madrid Javier Casquero, Ibrahim Kas and Mario Álvarez are struggling with injuries and might be unable to perform. The first match is always hard, but especially when two teams of similar characteristics as these two have to face each other. Who would claim this six-pointer?
Espanyol vs Getafe Match Report
Mauricio Pochettino's boys celebrated the first victory home of the season, with two goals from Osvaldo and a last minute surprise by Jesus Datolo. Getafe warned Espanyol about the result, but the visitors could not get through Pochettino's defense and sent their rival home empty handed. Getafe's creative duo Derek Boateng and Borja Fernandez played a minor role in the game, and the midfield battle was lost from the first minute on.
The first half of the match was pretty balanced, when both teams were looking to open the score and claim the upper hand on the match. But on minute 33 Osvaldo scored the first goal and turned the tides for the advantage of the local side. Jose Maria Callejon was the driver of the winning team, assisting on two of the three goals and demonstrating Getafe they should have pushed harder to have the Spaniard join their side, as they tried during the summer. One of the most exciting matches of the round, with 35 shots on goal and constant presence from both goalkeepers.
